In this Issue

Some companies are all about formalities — long, drawn-out decision-making processes; PowerPoint presentations; and a “top-down” organizational structure in which conversations between the CEO and associates never happen. Paris Presents is not one of those companies.

In recent months, RediClinic — which operates 43 clinics in Rite Aid stores in the Philadelphia, Baltimore/Washington, D.C., and Seattle markets, as well as 35 clinics in H-E-B grocery stores in Houston, Austin and San Antonio — has continued to form alliances with local healthcare providers. The company continues to strengthen its ability to offer convenient health care to more patients through its partnerships with local healthcare providers.

Fleet intern Ali Costikyan

Many of those in Fleet Laboratories’ top leadership garnered experience at large consumer packaged goods companies. In fact, the sales leadership team has amassed more than 165 years of experience with eight blue chip companies holding roles across 10 different functions from supply chain to finance. “We have seasoned people who are brand builders,” said Todd Hutsko, VP sales.

How can marketers successfully target and engage millennial customers in the New General Market? For Vogue International’s OGX brand, the secret to catering to the female New General Market consumer is to “remain authentic, foster open conversations with her and create a community she can engage in that provides the opportunity to create the brand she wants are really the linchpin of success,” according to Courtney Connelly, senior brand manager for North America.

Above all else, today’s consumer wants to be listened to. To get new insight into how top companies are uncovering the changing needs, motives and interests of the new consumer, executive director Dan Mack moderated a panel discussion of leading marketers as part of its April 6 New General Market Forum, a one-day leadership event co-hosted by Drug Store News and Mack Elevation.

The specialty channel, including natural grocery and vitamin retailers, has long been a fair prognosticator of what might be coming down the line in the natural health space for mass, food and drug retailers. Those are the channels where many of the early adopters are presumed to shop, though conventional retailers may in fact be capturing their fair share of those consumers today.

Pinterest is not a social network. It’s a future-oriented network, and a valuable one for brands and retailers to use as a gateway to understanding the New General Market, according to Pinterest partner manager Brian Johnson.

As a format, adult gummy vitamins continue to trend well. The adult gummy segment grew by 23% in the first quarter of 2016, significantly outpacing the kids gummy section that dropped by 8% in sales over the same period, according to Matthew Farrell, president and CEO for Church & Dwight.